Time spent with youngsters can make a lifelong impression. Taking the time to teach a child can give them not only skills and confidence, but great memories as well. Additional values instilled when a child spends time learning to fish include planning skills, patience and an appreciation for natural resources.

Don’t be too serious. Make it a fun adventure. Intense immersion is not the best way to start. Begin with some tips to get them started, then be open to taking breaks or changing locations. Remember, the skills and patience they need are part of the learning process. Don’t expect immediate results.

Use the right equipment. Consider the size and quality of the gear. While you may have excellent equipment, having a rod and reel that’s the right size, or not too complicated, can be the difference in whether a child is comfortable fishing. Give them the gear that will encourage them to grab a rod and cast a line on their own.

Build in success. Spending an entire outing waiting for “the big catch” can be intimidating and, for a newbie, not much fun. Be sure to acknowledge small successes along the way. Whether its an on-target cast or discovering a cool critter in the shallows, celebrate benchmarks along the way.

Take along a friend. If their friends are doing it, that must mean it’s fun, right? Offer to bring along a friend. Who knows – they might end up as fishing buddies for life.

Alabama is a state filled with rich traditions when it comes to fishing. It’s up to today’s anglers to keep those traditions going. The Alabama Bass Trail – with its 13 lakes, expanses of waterways to explore, and countless fish to catch – is a wondrous classroom! Take a child out for lessons soon.